We understand what it means to shoot on a tight budget without compromising your creative endeavor. We also understand the disappointment in current crane models on the market. It is this understanding that ignited the motivation to create a quality, affordable, easily functioning crane that tops others costing 3-4 times as much.

After renting/owning more than 9 different makes and models of cranes ranging in price from $279 to over $2000, we started to notice something…

There was always something missing.

We were never 100% happy. There were positive things about each piece of equipment, but no single product encompassed what we felt were the necessary features of a solidly built crane system.

We decided to change that.

With our product design background, up to date manufacturing techniques and cutting edge CNC technology, we have achieved our goal. Owning a modestly priced first-rate camera crane is no longer a dream.

WELCOME TO THE KESSLER CRANE!!!

Why Kessler Crane Beats the Competition

When we started to design the Kessler Crane, we knew that we had to be better… PERIOD!

With that in mind, we took a look at the competition. Then armed with our own experience, we asked YOU what you needed in a crane system.

We made note of every flaw in the current crane models and systematically removed them from our design until all that is left is sleek engineering!

1. Main Construction Material We knew that heavy, clunky, rust prone steel was not the way to go. The Kessler Crane is made entirely from lightweight, ultra strong T-6061 aluminum alloy that per pound is stronger than steel and is corrosion resistant.
2. Construction Methods We spoke to consumers who were concerned with craftsmanship.
   • “…Some parts looked like they were cut by handheld saws.” “… Even the holes where out of alignment!”
   • Some cranes possess an entirely bolt-together design, which can work its way loose and become sloppy.
   • The Kessler Crane’s frame sections are 100% jig welded for the utmost strength. All of the parts are CNC machined to shape and drilled on a milling machine to ensure the highest level of precision and quality. Our CNC made parts are held to +/- 5 thousands of an inch.
3. Camera Tilt Option Almost every crane out on the market today offers one of two main crane functions: manual tilt or auto leveling.

   With the Kessler Crane mounted on a fluid head you will have both. We give you the option of auto leveling and manual mode…

   PLUS the Kessler Crane has one more trick up its sleeve, our automatic fixed angle mode!

   The Kessler Crane is the only T-bar control rod crane that links the cameras manual movement to your fluid head’s tilt. This extra feature gives you the same fluid dampened and controlled movement you would have with the camera placed directly on the fluid head. Other cranes that offer manual camera tilt require you to tilt the camera on your own. Basing your shot on how smooth and steady you can tilt and hold a crane-mounted camera can be nerve racking.
   Take number 50! So much for the budget…

4. Camera Tilt Control Mechanism The worst cranes we found were comprised of cable/pulley systems. Though they are cheaper and easier to build, they deliver jerky downward slipping shots. Metal cable to metal pulley is a poor traction combination. When you tighten a cable to get more traction, it tends to bends the arm of the crane or makes it flex in such a way that causes friction or tilted horizons.

   A few cranes do the right thing and use a solid control rod. However, they fall short by using thin flimsy flat stock that will bend or bow when placed in a heavy weight situation.

   The Kessler Crane uses a solidly engineered T-Bar control rod that is very light weight and will still resist flexing even in high load conditions.

5. Bearings And Pivot Points Believe it or not many of the cranes out there have no bearings at all! Some use a bolt through a hole. I know of one $1000 + crane that uses all plastic bushings. This may be the reason they don’t offer lifetime guarantees.

   In our 6+ years of manufacturing products, we have learned how to test and use the right system for the job.

   Our research tells us that oil impregnated sleeve bearings offer superior ware, incredible smoothness and the correct amount of resistance to give you unmatched performance. This is not the loose noodle feel of ball bearings. Oil impregnated sleeve bearings offer longer life over ball bearings due to increased surface area and the remarkable oil releasing metal that self lubricates as the bearing is in use. The Kessler Crane uses oil impregnated sleeve bearings on every load bearing pivot point.

   WE offer a lifetime guarantee.

    

5.

6. Versatility The versatility of the Kessler Crane is unmatched. With the two tip sizes and mid section available you can turn a 4 ft base section into a 5.5 ft, 8 ft or 12 ft crane in a matter of minutes.

In addition, there are 2 different ways our crane can be mounted to a tripod.

Mount it to your heavy-duty fluid head when manual & auto leveling modes are wanted.

We also offer the Kessler Fluid Swivel (see accessories page for info on the Kessler Fluid Swivel) the strongest and most stable mount available today. Unlike other crane “swivels”, (some are nothing more than a modified up side down caster wheel) the Kessler Fluid Swivel can be leveled an a 100mm bowel-ed tripod and flat mounted on all 3/8 flat mounts, Mitchell mounts and 75mm bowel style tripods.

7. Portability The Kessler Crane breaks down into lightweight easily transported sections and can be set up and working in less than 10 minutes. We also offer a soft carrying case (see accessories page for info on soft case) to make transporting your Kessler Crane easy and neat!

8. Options And Upgrades Whether it’s a vertical braking system, 100mm ball receptacle, or a tool-less assembly upgrade, we have the extras to fit your filming needs. Check out the accessories page for all the options available for your Kessler Crane.

9. Stability Stability is the most important aspect of a camera crane next to fluid movement. With our dual arm design supporting the camera basket/platform from either side, our stability is bar none. You will never again deal with those uneven shots you get from single arm, side mounted, camera platform style cranes.

10. Finish The Kessler Crane is on its 3rd generation of exterior coatings.

In the beginning we used an acid etched 2-stage liquid based paint process that is currently being used in the automobile industry for the undercarriages of trucks. Though good, this finish would scratch or chip over time.

Our endless pursuit of perfection pushed us to find a better, stronger more durable coating. The 2nd generation finish was electro static, oven cured, smooth flat black powder coat. This was much stronger but would show oily fingerprints. Though resilient to scratches and chips it was still not up to our standards.

We searched for something better and WE FOUND IT! The Kessler Crane has a mechanically abraded, electro static, oven cured industrial wrinkle black powder coat. (Breathe) Wow! It has to be good with a name like that! We know that nothing is impervious, but this is close. The wrinkled texture is pleasing to the eye and does an impeccable job of diffusing light reflections. Oh… and no more annoying oily fingerprints.

Kessler Crane = $

Having a camera & tripod will bring you into the lucrative market of video and film but the ability to offer skilled Hollywood style crane shots will separate you from your competitors. Using the Kessler Crane can generate more income. Many times the fact that we have a crane has persuaded a customer to give us the job over the other guy. Show your perspective customer a demo reel of beautifully executed crane shots and your rate will not be an issue.

If nothing else the Kessler Crane will give you the expansion of creativity that will elevate your work to a more professional level.

Kessler Crane Guarantees

1. 7 day money back guarantee: We know we’ve made a lot of claims and we stand behind them! What better way to back them up than give you 7 days to look the product over to see how we stack up. If you find that we fall short on performance, craftsmanship or quality, send it back. Upon receipt you will be given a full refund for the purchase price of the crane. Crane must be returned in original package and undamaged. Return shipping to be paid by customer

2. Life Time Guarantee: If anything goes wrong, relax! We will ship you the part or have you ship it to us to be fixed or replaced. Lifetime guarantee applies to mechanical workings and structural integrity of crane only.